Search
Navigation
Blogroll
|
 Tuesday, May 15, 2007
June 2007 Issue
5/15/2007 10:14:23 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
Hey everyone,
Just a quick note that the June 2007 issue is on sale today!
 A few fun highlights:
*I like Executive Editor Beth Williams' "Top Ten Corner" about her summer favorites. (Page 2) Number eight also is a favorite of mine: late-afternoon thundershowers. It's so lovely to be inside with a good book and listen to the rain and thunder. Being a list person, I love this idea as a prompt. I'm thinking of adapting Beth's list for a scrapbook page about my own summer favorites. What are yours? Have you ever made a page about them?
*In honor of Father's Day, check out the June Come Together column about one man's appreciation for scrapbooking. (Page 34) Then, see if you can set a scrapping date with one of the men in your life. Think you could convince your hubby, boyfriend or brother to scrap with you? Let us know if you do.
*Looking for tips to photography your furry friends? Check out Focus on Images column by Audrey Neal. (Page 36) I love Audrey's "Time for a Catnap." Photographing the cat lazily lounging in the leaves is a wonderful way to show what Audrey's journaling explains: "This cat can relax anywhere." And don't forget about the Web exclusive. You'll find even more pet-friendly photography tips, including how to photograph fish and birds.
*The June True Colors column by Kari Hansen is sure to put you in a vacation mindset. (Page 44) What tropical-inspired color palette appeals to you most? I'm especially drawn to the Caribbean Cruise palette. Kari writes: "As the home of some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Western Hemisphere, the inspiration for the hot brights of the Caribbean palette starts with the dazzling blue sea and its kaleidoscope of stunning tropical fish. Go ashore to extend the color scheme to its lush jungle vegetation, exotic fruits, sunny skies and beautiful beaches." Yum.
*Interested in entering the 2008 Memory Makers Masters contest? Read "Winning Pages" for tips from the 2007 Memory Makers Masters on creating memorable layouts sure to catch the judges' eyes. (Page 64) Contest rules appear on page 22, or you can view them on the Web here: http://memorymakersmagazine.com/2008MastersContest/
*Because I'm thrilled that summer weather is finally here, I love Kitty Foster's "Celebrate Summer" layout in this month's Reader Idea Gallery. It perfectly captures the excitement of the beginning of summer. (Page 91)
We hope you enjoy the issue, and as always, please let us know what you think!
—Katie Hilbert, associate editor, Memory Makers
5/15/2007 10:14:23 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) 
|
|
Monday, May 14, 2007
Sharing Storage Solutions
5/14/2007 4:53:32 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Lisa Tutman-Oglesby, Master '07, has some great ideas for organization. In a recent blog entry, Lisa says she's always on the lookout for fun ways to store her "seemingly endless supply of stuff." Check out a few photos of some of her favorite finds: http://www.memorymakersmagazine.com/lisatutmanoglesby/
I especially like the vase Lisa picked up at a garden shop. Not only is it a great storage solution, but it's a beautiful one, as well. What better way to store your supplies than to store them artistically? Pratical and pleasing to the eye—a great combo!
Looking for paper storage ideas? Check out this thread in the forum.
I'm sure all of you out there have some great storage solutions, too, and we'd like to hear them. Post a comment with your own inventive ideas, and we'll feature a few in an upcoming blog post.
Have a great evening!
Katie Hilbert
Associate editor
Memory Makers
organization
5/14/2007 4:53:32 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
|
|
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Why Is This Baby Crying?
5/10/2007 5:37:54 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
Photo by ccmackay from morguefile.com
Because she dosesn’t have time to scrap a Mother’s Day gift. Don’t cry, baby. The friendly folks at Hallmark have a solution—Instant Scrapbook Frames and Instant Scrapbooks. Hallmark has done the designing and embellishing—all you need to do is pop in the photos. The scrapbooks have individually designed and embellished pages, page protectors and a selection of caption stickers.
OK, by now you’re either sighing in relief or throwing up your hands in horror. Granted, this isn’t for everyone—probably not for most scrappers who prefer to demonstrate their own creative flair, thank you.
What about your nonscrapping friends? I was at a baby shower recently where the mother-to-be was given an Instant Scrapbook. Knowing that a baby would keep her busier than she’d ever been in her life, she was thrilled. All the guests thought the idea was great. What a terrific way to introduce a busy person to scrapbooking. Lure them in, so to speak.
What if you, a true-blue scrapbooker, are really pressed for time? Would a headstart on a layout or frame come in handy? You can always add your own touch.
Let me know what you think. And Happy Almost-Mother’s-Day.
Holly Davis
Associate Editor
Memory Makers magazine
5/10/2007 5:37:54 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
|
|
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Scrapbooking Your Faith
5/9/2007 1:10:13 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) I'm pretty much obsessed with scrapbooking, and after spending a work day fully immersed in this wonderful world, I go home and pick up where I left off by creating it, reading about it and even dreaming about it. Seriously. Last night I curled up on the couch with contributing editor Courtney Walsh's new book, Scrapbooking Your Faith (2007, Memory Makers Books).  I love Courtney's work, and I knew I'd enjoy what she and the other awesome designers had to share. (Courtney's Pastor Jonathan Byrd journaling gave me the chills — in a good way, and I smiled when reading her Safe Flight journaling, as I always say a little prayer when I’m traveling, too.) But, what started out as a late-night perusal took me to an unexpected place ... thinking about my faith and how I live it (or don't) on a daily basis. It was a thought-provoking, inspiring read, and one that's got me thinking as I go about my Wednesday. Best, Beth Executive Editor, Memory Makers
5/9/2007 1:10:13 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
|
|
Monday, May 07, 2007
5/7/2007 9:59:56 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) I’ve Got it Covered
As a bookworm and music fanatic, I’m constantly browsing for new books to buy and music to add to my ipod. I love in-store browsing, as well as Internet surfing, and I can spend hours walking up and down aisles or clicking here and there with my mouse.
While it’s a plus if I find a new novel to add to my reading list or a band to add to my playlist, I also find that I get inspired during these browsing sprees. Designed to attract readers and listeners, book and CD covers can be incredibly inventive.
Check out these creative covers that caught my eye (you can find more information about each at www.amazon.com). Note: I’m showcasing these books and CDs because I like the cover designs. I cannot endorse the actual content.
This cover consists of only type, however, it manages to look elegant and stylish. This is a great example of using type to create a distinct personality.
This cover is simple, but it makes a big impact because of the stunning photograph.
The use of color on this CD cover is enchanting. The varying shades of blue create a foggy, dreamlike look that is absolutely lovely.
I love the title treatment on this cover. The letters in "Heat" look like they are melting, which creates a fun, eye-catching effect when coupled with the bright yellow background.
Design challenge: Use one of the covers shown above (or one you find on your own) to inspire the design of a scrapbook layout. And don’t forget to share the results! I look forward to seeing your creations.
—Katie Hilbert, associate editor, Memory Makers
5/7/2007 9:59:56 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
|
|
Friday, May 04, 2007
National Scrapbook Day
5/4/2007 1:26:29 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Just a quick note -- not a newsflash, by any means -- that tomorrow is National Scrapbook Day. My weekend is crazy busy -- two soccer games (my daughter's, not mine!), a baby shower, dinner with friends, yardwork, housework, laundry, grocery shopping and now, most likely, an impromptu trip to visit my mom who broke her arm yesterday.
Still, somewhere among living my life, I hope to spend 30 minutes (maybe I'll set my kitchen timer) to at least journal, if not actually scrapbook, about what scrapbooking means to me. For me, it's a memory repository, a dream catcher and a sanity saver, and I can't imagine my life without it. It's what helps me stop, recognize and love the everydayness of my life all the more. Hope it it does the same for you.
Happy National Scrapbook Day!
Best,
Beth
Executive Editor, Memory Makers
5/4/2007 1:26:29 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
|
|
Thursday, May 03, 2007
5/3/2007 1:51:55 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Night Life
A couple of days ago I came out of the library just as the sun was setting. My library borders a city park with a manmade lake, fountains and picturesque street lamps, so I decided to walk around.
The park is small. You can walk every path in five minutes, but visiting the park isn’t something you do for the sake getting it done. It was built for mingling, strolling and generally enjoying life. So as the night darkened and reflected lights grew more and more magical, I found myself lingering, taking in views from every possible angle. I was about to leave when I decided to journal the moment:
“After circling the Green on foot three times in streetlight and quiet, stopping to check out a fountain or a bridge or a statue. Wanting to leave. Wanting to stay. Realizing I could write by the fountains in the lamplight with the sound of fountain and a single conversation in the background. Lovely. Still want to cross the bridge to see the water. Earlier someone threw a ball in the water for a dog on a leash to retrieve.”
Nothing remarkable about the writing, but the moments are captured. The next day I returned to take photos. Pardon the poor focus; I didn’t have a tripod, and I’m new to night photography.
 
I’ve been a journaler for 19 years, so I carry a notebook in my purse at all times. It’s much simpler than carrying a camera because I don’t worry about it breaking or being stolen. (Who would want it?)
By all means, carry your camera for special or not-so-special occasions. Everyone knows a scrapbooker and her camera are seldom parted. Everyone also knows that a picture is worth a thousand words. May I humbly suggest that they still don’t replace the words. So along with that camera, you may want to carry a notebook, because you never know when the perfect journaling moment will happen.
Holly Davis
Associate Editor
Memory Makers
5/3/2007 1:51:55 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
|
|
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
5/2/2007 1:06:08 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) As mentioned in Holly’s last blog, the Memory Makers team did a little crafting at a recent brainstorm meeting. Take a look at my page below to find out seven random facts about me:
 And in case the “7 random things” are a bit hard to read, I’ve typed them out.
1. I can play the piano, flute and piccolo.
2. I love Diet Coke and dark chocolate.
3. I was a cheerleader from second to eighth grade, but when I started high school, I joined the marching band.
4. I love to buy cookbooks, but I’m not the greatest cook. Yet.
5. My favorite cartoon when I was a kid was Popeye. Today I’m a fan of Gilmore Girls, Grey’s Anatomy and What Not to Wear.
6. My first word—and favorite color—was purple.
7. I tend to ramble.
—Katie Hilbert, associate editor, Memory Makers
5/2/2007 1:06:08 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
|
|
Friday, April 27, 2007
4/27/2007 12:45:06 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Don’t Laugh
On Monday the Memory Makers magazine team got away from the office for a creative brainstorming session. To kick the meeting off, we created layouts about ourselves entitled 7 Random Facts.
Sharing this page took courage after working with the Masters and other scrappers whose work is far superior to mine, and yet it’s strange how I can pick my work to pieces and be proud of it at the same time. That’s the beauty of creative expression.
I’ll save you eye strain by listing my random facts:
• I have two cats—both rescued.
• My first gray hair appeared when I was in high school.
• I’ve written two picture books.
• The only thing I can draw is horses.
• My husband and I are proud parents of the greatest kid ever!
• I write greeting cards.
• I drive stick shift—and taught my daughter.
That’s all the self-revelation I can deal with in one week (eighth random fact: I’m an introvert). Other team members may be sharing their scrapbook pages in days to come. Stayed tuned and see.
Holly Davis
Associate Editor
Memory Makers
4/27/2007 12:45:06 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
|
|
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
4/24/2007 5:50:21 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) I love the vintage owl motifs that are popping up on papercrafting products:
  Hambly Screen Prints, "Out on a Limb" line
—Katie Hilbert, associate editor, Memory Makers
4/24/2007 5:50:21 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
|
|
Friday, April 20, 2007
4/20/2007 2:01:56 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Just for the Record
Last Thursday evening after work I drove from Cincinnati to Cleveland (four hours) to see my dad. Friday we drove from Cleveland to Cedarville University (three hours) to hear my daughter’s band concert. Saturday we drove back to Cleveland (three hours), where I stayed until my dad’s birthday on Monday and then drove back to Cincinnati (four hours).
That’s more driving than I care to do in a few days, but the memories made the trips worthwhile. I’ll share one that revolves around our stay at Houstonia Bed & Breakfast the night of my daughter’s band concert. Houstonia is a century-old house suitably fitted with antiques. One of the first things I noticed upon entering was an external horn phonograph. Okay, you iPod users, I’m talking about an antique record player—and don’t ask me what a record player is—and, no, I didn’t play records on an external horn phonograph when I was a kid.
Well, actually, I did, because my family had such a machine that we displayed on the coffee table. Occasionally, just for laughs, we’d crank it up and play a tune. That’s why I took an immediate interest in the phonograph at Houstonia. So did my Dad, who asked if the hostess would play something for us. Just for laughs, she pulled out a record, cranked up the phonograph and played a tune.
“Oh, that’s Henry Burr!” said Dad. “In a moment you’ll hear the Peerless Quartet. They were popular in the 20s and 30s.”
As I mentioned, my Dad’s birthday was this past Monday. He turned 86, which means he grew up during Henry Burr’s heyday.
Have you heard of Henry Burr? I hadn’t, but according to henryburr.com, he’s “one of the most famous, and yet, one of the most forgotten recording artists of all time.” Makes me think how easily we can lose the memory of things of things so ordinary, so well-known, so taken for granted, we can’t imagine they’d be forgotten.
I treasure the memory of my dad and me listening to Henry Burr. I pass it on to you, whom I realize can’t appreciate it as I do, but I trust can still enjoy it. I have no doubt that eventually that memory will be lost for good, but as long as it lasts, it will shine a light and light a smile. And that, for me, is the attraction of scrapbooking—the light, the smiles, the memories.
Holly Davis
Associate Editor
Memory Makers
4/20/2007 2:01:56 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
|
|
Monday, April 16, 2007
On Call
4/16/2007 4:17:34 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
Have
you seen the TLC commerical for Family Night Mondays? If not, here's
how it goes: A father is getting ready to spend some time with his
kids, and so he's turning off all of his cell phones and pagers. When
he's finished, his children remind him to turn off his "ankle phone,"
which he didn't realize they even knew about. The voiceover says, "Just
because you can be connected 24/7 doesn't mean you should be." You can watch the commerical here.
Sometimes
I wonder, what did we do before cell phones? The latest versions do it
all: play music, connect to the Internet, take photos, record videos,
etc. And although there's truth to the statement that we shouldn't be
connected 24/7, cell phones can be great tools for busy scrappers.
Out
somewhere and need to jot something down that you want to remember and
journal about later? Flip open your cell phone, and record the memory
to access when you're scrapping. Perfect photo opportunity, but no
camera? Use the camera on your cell.
If you're interested in learning more about finding a good picture-taking phone, Laura Oles, author of Digital Photography for Busy Women, recently wrote a blog about how to best select a camera phone.
Check out her tips here: http://gotdigitalpictures.blogspot.com/
Best,
Katie Hilbert
Associate editor
Memory Makers
4/16/2007 4:17:34 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
|
|
|